Communication Systems

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

431-221 Fundamentals of Signals and Systems, and 431-325 Stochastic Signals and Systems or approved equivalent..

On completion of this subject students should understand the use of signals and systems and random process theory in the modelling and analysis of analog and baseband digital communication systems.

Topics include: revision of signals and systems; linear time-invariant channel models; amplitude modulation (AM) and related modulation formats; frequency modulations (FM);revision of random processes and noise; noise analyses of AM and FM in terms of signal-to-nosie ratios (SNR); nyquist sampling; sampling of random processes; quantisation; pulse-code modulation (PCM); waveform coding; matched filtering and probabilities of bit error for addictive white gaussian noise (AWGN) channels; intersymbol interference (ISI); SNR comparison of PCM and analog modulation formats.

All concepts are illustrated by examples from wireline, wireless and optical communications.

On completing this subject the student should be able to:

• Qualitatively describe the basic functional blocks of a telecommunication system;
• Quantitatively analyse the overall performance of analog and digital communication schemes;
• Assess the relative merits of different modulation and demodulation techniques and make design choices on this basis;
• Use software tools to simulate the behaviour of simple communication systems.

• 60% final written examination, with hurdle requirement.
• 20% laboratory reports;
• 10% Mid-semester test
• 10% assignment.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals

• In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline

• Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution

• Ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance

• Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be a leader or manager as well as an effective team member

• Understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities and commitment to them

• Expectation of the need to undertake lifelong learning, capacity to do so

• Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning

• Intellectual curiosity and creativity, including understanding of the philosophical and methodological bases of research activity

• Openness to new ideas and unconventional critiques of received wisdom

• profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship